I smoke every once in awhile, how come I'm not addicted to it. I smoked on Monday and before that I didn't smoke since a month ago. I would have to say last year I only smoked about 20 to 30 cigarettes. Shouldn't I be addicted to it by now. It's not like I want to be addicted to it, but I'm just wondering. I can control myself.

Some people become addicted and others don't. You sound disappointed that you haven't developed this addiction.

I smoked for a few years, decided I hated the smell on my clothes, stopped. I have friends who claim they can't stop.

Maybe it depends on why you smoke.

Why would you start a habit you know is so bad for you?

No I'm not disappointed, but I know it's bad habit. It's just that things haven't been so well lately and it helps relieve stress. My dad is a smoker and I'm always around my friends mom that smokes all the time,too. I still have a pack of cigarettes from like a month ago and only 4 are gone, so it's not like I'm addicted to it.

Then stop. Find another means to relieve stress. Why would you deliberately begin a habit (or addiction) that could kill you?

If you weren't addicted you wouldn't smoke any at all... it stinks, makes you stink, and wastes your money and does nothing good for your health.

You don't have to be having a nicotene fit avery 15 minutes to be addicted. If you EVER crave a cigarette you are addicted.

It's not as easy as you think to stop, but it's not like I crave one everyday, too.

Then you're addicted. You have to pick one: addicted OR not addicted.

Then proceed from there.

You are addicted...

You see, I'm 50, I never, EVER craved a cigarette in my entire life. That is what NOT addicted actually is.

I'm afraid you're all wrong. An addiction is a dependence on a substance, and an inability to refrain from relinquishing oneself from said substance.

Let's give this a scale.

Some people are extremely addictive, and by the 3rd cigarette such people will feel cravings till the day they die. They'll have the number (10). Some are less addictive and long for a cigarette but can give up after a couple of months of cold-turkey. They'll be (5). There are, however, a very lucky few who smoke socially but for whom a cigarette is an occasional asset, a social toy which they can put down at any time and totally forget they ever picked it up. These, thus, will be (1).

It seems you belong at about (2), a little less than a casual smoker; but because you appreciate that it relieves stress - for those at (1), this doesn't occur. In fact, they don't feel very different at all.

In all honesty it looks like you don't have to worry. I myself am lucky enough to be a (1). I'm yet to see a long-term (1) traverse to a (10), but that doesn't mean it's not possible, so be on the lookout for signs of addiction.

Could I see your research on this?

I agree with ririn because if I was addicted I would be smoking everyday which I don't. I have only craved one once.

Removed due to altered state of mind.

Social smokers "chippers" are widely acknowledged. Not all those who smoke cigarettes are addicted nor is that their ultimate destiny. This is a phenomenon worthy of open discussion, very interesting, and from which we may all learn.